Visitors keen to take in the new Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area (SCA) during the school holidays are being reminded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to play it safe and check on access before heading out.
Acting Director of the NPWS Blue Mountains Branch, Glenn Meade said the majority of the 28,000-hectare reserve, near Lithgow, was currently only accessible by 4WD vehicles.
“We want visitors to enjoy exploring this special part of the world, however wet weather can impact access,” Mr Meade said.
“If it is wet, please reconsider your trip because roads can be damaged by vehicles and quickly become unpassable,” he said.
“In good weather, Spring is a great time to visit and there are a number of great recreational opportunities in the park for visitors, including bushwalking, 4WD, mountain biking and just enjoying nature.”
Mr Meade said some beautiful native plants like the Waratah and a range of Acacia were in flower, and there was spectacular scenery to take in.
He said the reserve was home to over 80 rare and threatened species, as well as important cultural heritage.
He said the Gardens of Stone SCA featured many remote areas, limited mobile phone service and did not have rubbish bins, so visitors must take their rubbish with them when they left the park.
